Small business recognition

The City of Melbourne is seeking nominations from eligible small businesses for its 12th annual Lord Mayor’s Commendations.

The commendations celebrate and recognise the contribution that small businesses make to the success of the city. More than 500 City of Melbourne-based small business owners have so far been recognised.

Applications are open until Friday, May 19, with a ceremony to be held on Wednesday, August 23.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said small businesses played a huge role in building the prosperity and cultural fabric of our city.

“Small businesses are the engine room of our economy. Their energy, creativity and passion help to make Melbourne the world’s most liveable city,’’ the Lord Mayor said.

“The City of Melbourne is home to 13,000 small businesses which employ 75,000 people. Small businesses make up more than 80 per cent of all the businesses operating in the City of Melbourne.”

“The dedication and passion of the people who run small businesses should be recognised and that’s what this program is all about.”

The Lord Mayor’s Commendations are free to enter and are open to any business proprietor within the City of Melbourne municipality that employs 20 people or less and has operated continuously for more than 10 years.